Google CEO Sundar Pichai pays tribute to his Indian roots after Padma Bhushan

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has received the Padma Bhushan award from the Indian envoy to the US. In his acceptance speech, the Google CEO paid tributes to his Indian roots, saying that India is a big part of him and he carries it everywhere. “India is a part of me and I carry it with me wherever I go," Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said.

Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2022 in the Trade and Industry category, and was one of the 17 awardees nominated this year. Pichai was given the award in the presence of his close family members in San Francisco.

Google CEO pays tributes to Indian roots

“I am deeply grateful to the Indian government and the people of India for this immense honour. It is incredibly meaningful to be honoured in this way by the country that shaped me," said Pichai.

"India is a part of me. I carry it with me wherever I go. (Unlike this beautiful award which I will keep somewhere safe)," he added.

"I was fortunate to grow up in a family that cherished learning and knowledge, with parents who sacrificed a lot to make sure I had opportunities to explore my interests," Pichai further said.

India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that the Google CEO represented the limitless possibilities of technology for transformation. "He has been making commendable efforts towards making digital tools, and skills accessible to across various segments of the society in different parts of the globe," he said.

Pichai then focused on speaking about Google’s partnership with India. "I look forward to continuing the great partnership between Google and India, as we work together to bring the benefits of technology to more people,” he said. “Prime Minister Modi's Digital India vision has certainly been an accelerator for that progress and I'm proud that Google continues to invest in India, partnering with governments, businesses, and communities over two transformative decades,” he added.

"Every new technology that arrived at our doorstep made our lives better. And that experience put me on a path to Google, and the chance to help build technology that improves the lives of people all over the world,” Pichai further said.